TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 7, 2024: In an effort to bolster media participation and ensure fair coverage of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Shri Nileshkumar Mahadev Kshirsagar emphasized the pivotal role of media as a cornerstone of the electoral process. Addressing media representatives at a one-day orientation and workshop, Shri Kshirsagar underscored the significance of media activism in enhancing voter awareness and fostering transparency within the electoral system.
Dispelling doubts surrounding the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Shri Kshirsagar affirmed the stringent security protocols governing their operation, dismissing baseless suspicions. He hailed the Election Commission of India’s initiative to facilitate postal voting for journalists holding authorization letters, recognizing it as a crucial measure to enable media personnel to fulfill their civic duty while actively reporting on election proceedings.
Under the directive of Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale, the workshop, held at Naveen Vishram Bhawan, Raipur, provided media representatives with comprehensive insights into various election-related aspects. Commissioner of Public Relations Department, Shri Mayank Srivastava, expressed optimism that the knowledge imparted during the workshop would empower journalists to effectively disseminate election-related information, underscoring the unwavering expertise and impartiality of election officials.
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Shri Vinay Aggarwal highlighted the integration of technology in the electoral process, elucidating on the Election Commission of India’s portals and mobile applications tailored for public and candidate use. Assistant Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Sharda Aggarwal shed light on the mechanisms governing Paid News, Media Monitoring Cell, and Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
With Assistant Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Rupesh Verma and Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Mr. U.S. also contributing to the workshop, attendees from various media institutions in Raipur engaged in interactive sessions, seeking clarification on pertinent issues from subject matter experts. The session provided a platform for robust exchange, further enhancing collaboration between the electoral apparatus and the media fraternity.
